From Markus:

Four months ago Artemis Joy developed a sore on her little pink nose that did not heal after multiple antibiotic & steroid treatments. After a CAT scan (insert pun here) & biopsy, she was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on her nose. It has been increasingly irritating for her, at times requiring painkillers. The long-term solution is surgical removal of the cancerous tissue. I have been told that her CAT scans show that the cancer is not infiltrating surrounding bone and tissue and that squamous cell carcinoma can be very treatable with low recurrence. She is currently scheduled for surgery on Friday August 29th with a veterinary surgeon that will fly into Maui from the the big island of Hawaii.

The estimate from the vet is $7K for the surgery. Another $2300 if we want a custom cancer vaccine made for her from the removed cancerous tissue. This new method is being used in the veterinary realm right now and could very much enter the human realm someday. I’ve already spent $2,500 out of pocket on testing, diagnosis & consultation. Any assistance offered will be graciously accepted.

Artemis and I met at the humane society on Maui thirteen years ago. She was an eight week old fresh intake and still wet from her initial flea bath when she crawled up my pant leg, and then my shirt, to curl up in my arms and fall asleep purring. In that moment, she became my familiar and I became her “kahu”. In the Hawaiian language, a kahu is an animal caretaker, in the sense of a guardian or steward rather than an owner. An honored attendant who provides care and protection, and emphasizes a deep, spiritual bond of trust and stewardship. Over these years Artemis and I developed that deep, trusting spiritual bond and I want to think that I have become her honored attendant, listening to her needs & paying attention to her well being. She has definitely schooled me in the magic of subtlety and subtle energy & understanding.

During our time together, we learned from each other and developed our own communications. She’s small for her personality, never growing past the one-year mark- that’s how she got the last name of Kittahn. She grew up on Maui as a jungle kitty- a smart little thing… and fierce! In earlier years, her war cry scared away more than a few that strayed into her territory and her ninja agility has never lost her a fight with even the mightiest of bengal foes. In more recent years she can be found philosophically contemplating the jungle sunrise & sunset and all the creatures that it draws in. She protects our home from vermin, sometimes leaving an offering to be found on the floor in the dark. She snuggles up in bed every night, unless duty calls for her to be on watch. She has seen me through divorce, breakup, family tragedy, personal self-doubt and pretty much everything else life offers. A true confidant & familiar. We’ve had celebrations as well, with tuna mousse and plenty of ahi sashimi. She’s been an integral part of island existence… familiar, familial, family…

Please help me support Artemis Joy in her battle with squamous cell carcinoma.

Mahalo nui loa,

Markus and Artemis